Michael White, the Scottish producer behind The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Monty Python and the Holy Grail, has died at the age of 80.

Mr White, who was born in Glasgow, died of heart failure in California.

His death was confirmed by his former girlfriend, film director Lyndall Hobbs.

The legendary producer began his career in London's West End producing plays including Oh Calcutta!, Annie and The Rocky Horror Picture Show before moving into films and television.

He is famous for his work on The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Jabberwocky, My Dinner with Andre, The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Comic Strip Presents.

He won a plethora of awards during his career including two Tony Awards and a Laurence Olivier Award.

He was also the subject of a 2013 documentary, The Last Impresario, which examined the producer's life and legacy. It featured interviews with many of Mr White's close friends including John Cleese, Naomi Watts, Barry Humphries, Nigel Planer and Anna Wintour.

Ms Hobbs told the BBC: "It would seem he died of heart failure having been told about eight weeks ago that he needed open heart surgery but he was too weak for surgery.

"Michael had an appetite for life that was unmatched in my opinion. A unique man who put on hundreds of shows and truly was a theatrical pioneer."

Fans and celebrities including Monty Python star paid tribute to the 'one of a kind' star on Twitter.

Actor Michael Ball tweeted: "Sir George Martin and Michael White gone. Both 'Producers' in different fields. Both excelled and influenced us all. RIP gentlemen."

Actress Lisa Maxwell tweeted: "RIP Michael White.producer of the original London production of Musical Annie.so proud to have been a part of your show back then."

Culture minister Ed Vaizey tweeted: "So sad - great producer Michael White has died. A remarkable man."